Beacon Rock

Stevenson, Washington

3.6/5

based on 7 reviews

Save

View all 5 photos

All 5 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

1.49 miles

Elevation Gain

351 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brian Heifferon

Beacon Rock is a unique 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with great views—Summit one of the tallest monoliths in North America while climbing nearly 700 feet up scaffolding-like switchbacks.

Beacon Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an 848-foot basalt monolith (a singular piece of rock) that was once the core of an ancient volcano. To access the rock, park in a developed parking area at the rock’s base that has room for about 30 cars. You’ll take a short stroll through a forested trail before you hit the rock.

Once you reach the rock, the trail abruptly heads more or less straight up along a series of 52 or so zig-zagging switchbacks. Considering you have 848 feet to climb in less than a mile, the grade is surprisingly mellow. While the sight of this crazy trail winding up the side of the rock is itself a sight to behold, the panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge are the real reward.

The views from the summit can be a bit obscured by trees, but well worth the effort. This is a mostly exposed hike and can get hot during the summer months, but for every other occasion, it’s best to pack a jacket (it’s typically pretty windy).

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

River

Scenic

Beacon Rock Reviews

Clayton Lukens

Beacon Rock

06/21/20

This would get a higher rating if there weren’t so many people. It’s turned into a tourist attraction and it kinda kills the nature of it. Still beautiful though.

3.0

Brian Kramp

Beacon Rock

06/12/18

Fun to be able to see the end from the beginning.

5.0

Zach Lough

Beacon Rock

06/11/17

A pretty short sprint trail. Beautiful views and trail. Try to go during off hours as the top can get crowded

3.0

Ashley Cessna

Beacon Rock

05/29/17

It's a great little hike with a sweet view as payoff for the trek up. Lots of switchbacks make the gain manageable for all skill levels. Plus there's a sturdy railing all the way up. On busier weekends don't plan to hang around up on top for long...the lookout is pretty small and can get congested quickly. But if you manage to hit the trail when it's not so crowded, pack a snack or a lunch to enjoy at the top.

4.0

Kevin Li

Beacon Rock

07/22/16

Just a short and easy hike along rail switch backs. The view is not amazing, but is satisfying.

4.0

M Newton

Beacon Rock

07/22/16

I enjoyed the views of the gorge basically every step of the way up. The 'trail' (if you can call it that) is mind boggling in its elaborate construction. A solid rail gives you peace of mind but maybe not so good for little ones or those afraid of heights. It's a neat little hike, steep of course, but it's a cool piece of history. The trail was repaired after the 2015 windstorm and as of summer of 2016 it was open again.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hardy and Rodney Falls

Located along the Hamilton Mountain Trail, the Hardy and Rodney falls out and back hike is a good alternative for those looking for a shorter hike compared to the 7.6-mile hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, you will follow the trail through thick trees for most of the way to the falls with a few openings along the way. When you begin to hear the rushin...

Hamilton Mountain

Hamilton Mountain has one of the best views in the Columbia Gorge. The hike starts out with a gradual uphill climb through an old-growth forest. After about a half-mile in you will come to a clearing where you can see the ridge line going up to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From there you'll pass a couple of beautiful waterfalls, Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls. After the falls the real climbing ...

Elowah Falls

Multnomah Falls, which is about 5 miles from Elowah [along the Historic Columbia River Highway] takes a large portion of the crowd due to its visibility from the highway. With that said, you may get a much more deserted Elowah Falls if you decide to take the short but steep 15-minute hike to its base. The hike to Elowah Falls is approximately 1 mile roundtrip with an elevation gain of 500 fe...

Upper McCord Creek Falls

Starting at the John B Yeon Trailhead parking lot, begin to walk into the forest. After a little more than a quarter mile, you will see a fork in the road, with one way leading to Elowah Falls, and the other way leading to Upper McCord Creek Falls. Take the trail leading to Upper McCord Creek. The trail will begin to climb, but not too steeply. Keep following the trail and eventually you will r...

Table Mountain via Aldrich Butte Trailhead

Hike up into the forest (take the right path, not the one going left), and follow it all the way until you get to "Carpenter Lake" (which always seems to be just an empty, marshy field). Keep going and do not take the right path at the first Y split off. Instead, stay left, until you come to another Y. Here is where you want to stay right and follow the path as it continues to slowly gain eleva...

Munra Point

This trail is temporarily closed. Please visit the Forest Service website for updates to trails in the Columbia River Gorge. This hike starts at the Wahclella Falls trailhead, but does not use that trail. Instead, walk back towards the freeway and take a left onto the Columbia River Highway Trail. Go over the Tanner Creek bridge and take a left onto Trail #400. From here, follow Trail #400 u...

Beacon Rock

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Beacon Rock Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hardy and Rodney Falls

Hamilton Mountain

Elowah Falls

Upper McCord Creek Falls

Table Mountain via Aldrich Butte Trailhead

Munra Point

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps